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CLA concern at ‘excessive’ Welsh private rented sector proposals

09 November 2013

The CLA today (21 August) criticised Welsh Government proposals to enforce "excessive" new regulations on private landlords in Wales saying they "miss the point" on housing supply.

CLA President Harry Cotterell said the plans, outlined in the Welsh Government's Proposals for a Better Private Rented Sector in Wales consultation, are "disproportionate" and will not tackle a shortage of housing in Wales.

He said: "In its own White Paper Better Lives and Communities, the Welsh Government confirms that 14,300 new homes are required annually to fulfil housing need in Wales and yet it has chosen to narrowly interpret academic research and to concentrate on bureaucracy.

"The Welsh Government is proposing a massive increase in red tape, including fines of £50,000 for managing agents who fail to sign up to the planned scheme within three months, when we already have the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, mandatory Tenancy Deposit Schemes and new enforcement regulations coming in on the back of the Green Deal in 2016 and 2018.

"Local authorities have plenty of opportunities to take enforcement action against poor landlords with powers that are already in place."

The CLA President added: "The Welsh Government should be focusing its efforts on creating a framework for bringing new build housing on to the rental market and decreasing homelessness, rather than increasing costs for existing accommodation."

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